The Stars Press Onward!
Hatsumi
This is...Eden Hall?
???
"Virgil-sensei...at this rate, I won't be able to board the ship...even though you came all this way to get me...I'm sorry."
Hatsumi
Someone is...acting. Right, of course...I was in the middle of directing 'The Divine Comedy'...
???
Phew~, I'm beat~. So, is there anything I need to fix?
Hatsumi
Let me think...
Hatsumi
(There's something innocent about it...a childlike performance. And yet, for some reason, I can't bring myself to criticise it...)
Hatsumi
(Well, it wouldn't be strange for Dante to be portrayed this way, I suppose...)
Hatsumi
Nothing in particular.
???
Really! Great~! This script is so good, by the way! Your script, Onee-chan!
Hatsumi
Wha...!
Futaba
You're going to play Virgil, right, Onee-chan? I can't wait for the two of us to perform together as sisters!
Hatsumi
Futaba...y-yeah...I'm looking forward to it too...but...
Hatsumi
You're already...
Hatsumi
...A dream, huh.
Hatsumi
(Standing on stage together as sisters...so that's my wish, shown to me like this.)
Hatsumi
I must have fallen asleep while writing the script. The Divine Comedy's subject matter being what it is, I suppose I projected myself onto it...
Judge K
"I'll cut straight to the point. There's a theatre competition I'd very much like your Eden to participate in."
Judge K
"Let me rephrase. I'm offering you a chance to prove yourselves. ...An opportunity to show the theatre world that your stage is the pinnacle."
Hatsumi
The Tanshirosei Award...a competition that only selected troupes can enter. The criteria for selection: up and coming troupes with proven ability.
Hatsumi
Yes, I know. The stage you first said you loved. This is the chance to make the world see it...this script isn't finished yet, but.
Hatsumi
I'll complete it, without fail. And I'll astonish the judge who invited us...we accepted the challenge, after all.
Hatsumi
Hm? A phone call-hello?
Hatsumi
Mom, huh...what's up? Ah, about the World Theatre League-thanks.
Hatsumi
I hadn't originally planned to enter, but...I had my troupe members to think about, and it was a good opportunity to broadcast my ideals to a wider audience.
Hatsumi
I'm actually working on a script for a new competition right now. The head judge from the World Theatre League asked us to enter.
Hatsumi
Yeah, I know...I'm not pushing myself too hard. If anything, I'm enjoying it.
Hatsumi
Mm, mm...good night.
Hatsumi
Haah, such a worrywart. Appreciated, though. Mmmmm...haah.
Hatsumi
I should get to bed soon. Can't have it affecting tomorrow's rehearsal.
Chisa
Panda, I finally...finally got my hands on it! Look, this is the somen crafted by the legendary long established restaurant...!
Panda
You...you've actually started bringing the real thing to school now...?
Daikoku
(Same as always, Panda and Sasuga are goofing around...haah...so noisy.)
Classmate A
Hey, hey! Karasumori-san!
Daikoku
Hyeh!? M-Me!?
Classmate B
I watched the World Theatre League. Eden's performance was seriously incredible!
Daikoku
Oh, uh...t-thank you.
Daikoku
(W-What's with the sudden attention!? We never really talk normally...w-well, I suppose anyone who appreciates my Lord's stage has good taste, at least...)
Classmate A
And your acting was great too, Karasumori-san! I'll come see Eden's next show, okay!
Daikoku
Huh...?
Classmate C
Wait, I didn't even know you were an actor at Eden, Karasumori-san! Do you have, like, actor photo cards?
Daikoku
Oh, Eden doesn't really do that sort of thing...
Panda
Right~. It's Hatsumi-san's policy, yeah? Letting the stage alone do the talking-that's pretty cool.
Chisa
You can feel the professional pride and dignity in that...just like this somen, actually...
Panda
Don't just randomly throw somen into the conversation, Sassu! That's definitely not related!!!
Daikoku
A-And you, don't just butt into the conversation uninvited!
Panda
Aw come on, we're comrades who both performed at the World Theatre League~! Let's be friends~!
Classmate A
Now that you mention it, having three people from the same class perform at the World Theatre League as actors-isn't that insane!? That's so cool!!!
Daikoku
(Ughhh...more and more people are gathering. How did this happen...)
Riko
Shigure-sama! The World Theatre League was wonderful!
An
Shigure-sama, toying with Uranus as a demon...you were so cool~!
Koharu
Right~! Watching it got my blood pumping too...!
Shigure
Hmph, well of course-it's Shigure performing, after all~! But I'll give you credit for coming to see it.
An
Naturally~! There's no reason to miss Shigure-sama's big moment~!
Koharu
Yeah, yeah! Someday, Shigure-sama will be at the Dai Star Festival too...and when that moment comes, we'll be there watching without fail!
Riko
Yes, even when we're in middle school, even high school, we'll keep supporting you, Shigure-sama! Shigure-sama!!!
Shigure
...!!! Yes, keep following Shigure from here on out!
Shigure
(I got permission from Papa and Mama. I can keep being an actor...!)
Shigure
(But that doesn't mean I'm giving up on becoming a Dai Star. Someday, I'll stand on that stage where Niizuma stood...!)
Mahjong Player A
Hmm...this one!
Iruru
Oh, you played that? Ron!
Mahjong Player A
Ahhh! Got me!
Mahjong Player B
That was reckless, Miyabe-san. Your point sticks are looking pretty thin.
Mahjong Player A
I decided I'm going aggressive today. But man, you're on fire today, Iruru-chan, aren't you?
Mahjong Player C
That she is-she drew a winning tile just a minute ago too.
Iruru
Heh heh, I'm just lucky today~. Maybe the goddess of mahjong loves me?
Mahjong Player A
After putting on a performance like that, of course even the mahjong gods would take notice.
Iruru
...! Wait, did you actually come watch!?
Mahjong Player B
It was your big moment, Iruru-chan. Of course we did.
Mahjong Player C
Everyone from the shopping district who could make it went to see it. It was a fine show...
Iruru
That's kind of embarrassing...thanks. And here I've been beating you all pretty badly today, so I feel a little bad about it.
Mahjong Player B
What are you talking about-that's a completely separate matter.
Mahjong Player A
No mercy in a competition. I'd honestly hate it if you went easy on us!
Mahjong Player C
Exactly, so don't worry about it. Besides, next time I'm winning.
Iruru
Oh, big talk! I'm not giving up any wins~. Alright, let's start the next round!
Classmate A
Well then, you're off to Eden for rehearsal, Nikako-chan! I'll come see Eden's show next time-see ya~!
Nikako
Yeah, thanks! See you~!
Nikako
Fufu♪
Nikako
(Today, my classmates, my senpais, even my teacher talked to me about it.)
Nikako
(The World Theatre League really is incredible, huh~.)
Nikako
(And last night I got to share all kinds of good news with Mum and Dad too...)
Nikako
They were both so happy. And they said they actually want to come see it in person...
Nikako
(It's a shame they couldn't make it because of scheduling, but if that's the case, then we just have to go to them!)
Nikako
Someday, a traveling troupe performance on Aogashima...
Nikako
A performance just as good as the World Theatre League-no, even better-delivered by everyone in Eden, to everyone on the island...
Nikako
...Yeah, I have to work hard for that!
Nikako
First up is the next show... ight! The Tanshirosei Award...was it. Let's do this!
Nikako
Good work, everyone~!
Iruru
Oh, Nikako. Good work. You seem extra cheerful today?
Nikako
Ehehe, is it that obvious?
Nikako
Actually, my teachers and friends at school all told me 'Eden's performance was the best'...!
Nikako
And after talking with Mum and Dad...I started thinking I want to do an even better show on Aogashima someday!
Daikoku
Heh heh, that's right. We've got to work hard to make Nikacchi's dream come true too. ...I got a lot of people talking to me at school too-comments and all sorts of things. I'm exhausted.
Shigure
People actually talking to Daikoku-senpai? That must've been quite something~.
Shigure
And you don't like getting feedback about the show? How spoiled~. As an actor, you need to face that head on, I'd say!
Daikoku
Shut it...! I'm not good with crowds! And Panda showed up too...
Daikoku
Anyway, how about you!?
Shigure
Shigure, naturally, received lavish praise from Riko, An, Koharu, and everyone at school~.
Shigure
Unlike Daikoku-senpai, Shigure has the resolve of a true actor, so it was quite the productive day~.
Daikoku
Grrrrr! That smug face of yours~! So irritating~!!!
Iruru
Now, now, settle down, you two. I got compliments from my mahjong buddies and the shopping district folks~.
Iruru
We showed a great performance to the people who've been supporting us all along, and I want to keep that momentum going.
Nikako
Right!
Daikoku
Yeah...
Shigure
Well, I plan to keep honing my craft and stand at the Dai Star Festival just like Niizuma did!
Hatsumi
Quite lively in here.
Daikoku
My Lord!
Nikako
Ren-san! Good work today!
Hatsumi
Seems like good things happened for everyone. There were ups and downs, but entering the World Theatre League turned out to be the right call.
Hatsumi
That said, don't let the praise go to your heads. Use it as fuel to take another step forward-I won't tolerate complacency.
Daikoku
My Lord...I'll take that to heart!
Shigure
I know, Hatsumi-san. Shigure plans to aim even higher!
Hatsumi
Fufu, is that so. How reassuring.
Iruru
By the way, Hatsumi, your expression looks a bit brighter too? Did something good happen?
Hatsumi
Sharp as always, Iruru.
Hatsumi
The script for the next competition we'll be entering-the Tanshirosei Award-is now complete.
Everyone
...!
Nikako
It's finally done!
Shigure
What piece are we performing?
Hatsumi
The piece we'll perform...is Dante's 'Divine Comedy'.
Daikoku
The Divine Comedy...!
Nikako
The Divine Comedy, you mean...
Iruru
It's the story of Dante, a living man who has fallen into Hell, and his journey through Hell, Purgatory...and up to Paradise.
Shigure
'The Divine Comedy'...it's a classic among classics, but since Eden's doing it, it won't just be a simple restaging, right?
Hatsumi
Naturally. What I'm crafting is a flawless contrast of 'light' and 'darkness'.
Hatsumi
We'll drag the audience into the abyss that is theatre, and in the end, show them a hope so dazzling it blinds.
Hatsumi
The praise you received out there. The expectations from your families and friends. Channel all of it into the 'heat' of this production.
Nikako
Of course, Ren-san! We'll throw everything we've got at it!
Daikoku
I will perform the Divine Comedy as my Lord envisions it, with all due solemnity!
Shigure
Well, with Shigure performing, that's like having a hundred warriors on your side~. I'll nail it perfectly~.
Iruru
Mhm, since so many people are cheering us on, we don't want to let them down.
Hatsumi
Good answers. Now then, I'll announce the casting.
Hatsumi
First, the lead role of Dante goes to Nikako. I will play Virgil, who accompanies Dante and guides him through Purgatory.
Hatsumi
Beatrice, the woman who seeks to save Dante from Paradise, will be played by Iruru.
Hatsumi
The guide in Paradise, Bernardus, will be played by Daikoku. And Satan, enthroned in Cocytus, will be played by Shigure.
Hatsumi
Next, Brunetto, the mentor Dante encounters in Hell who encourages him...
Nikako
"It's so dark...is this the valley shadowed by death? I've lost my way, and I'm all alone..."
Shigure
"-Wail and cry all you want. There is no mercy here, and even tears freeze solid. Would you like to join the eternal silence beneath this ice...?"
Hatsumi
"...Stand aside, Demon King. This soul's journey is not yet over. Not even your darkness can extinguish the light in these eyes!"
Hatsumi
...Alright, let's pause there. Shigure, that last line-the added ruthlessness was a real improvement.
Shigure
Hmph, naturally! The demon king who rules the pit of Hell...I'm performing with the genuine intent to drag Nikako-senpai down to Hell!
Hatsumi
In that case, I'll need to be all the more vigilant about protecting Nikako.
Daikoku
My Lord gets to be alongside Nikacchi's Virgil the whole time...urgh, Nikacchi...I'm so jealous.
Iruru
Ahaha...but now that Shigure's Satan has gained so much intensity, I feel like Beatrice's salvation will make an even stronger impression too.
Daikoku
Right. The contrast leading into my scene guiding them through Paradise at the end will be perfect too.
Daikoku
...Nikacchi, in that scene just now-instead of hiding behind my Lord's back, you stepped forward just a little, didn't you?
Nikako
Oh, Daa-chan noticed? I didn't want Dante to just be protected by Virgil-I wanted to show a little bit of Dante's own will too.
Hatsumi
Good interpretation. Virgil saw Dante's talent and offered to guide him precisely because he was a promising young man.
Hatsumi
Not merely leaning on him, but having an inner core despite the timidity-that's what makes my Virgil shine as well.
Hatsumi
(Just as I thought, everyone has grown through the World Theatre League performance.)
Hatsumi
They're becoming...something.
Iruru
Hatsumi?
Hatsumi
No, it's nothing. Next, we'll pick up from the scene where Beatrice appears.
Hatsumi
That's it for today. Dismissed!
Everyone
Thank you for your hard work!!
Nikako
Phewww! We're done! Today's rehearsal flew by somehow.
Daikoku
It did. Your Dante is already starting to take shape too, Nikacchi...I think. It drew me in so much while acting that I almost got swept up in it.
Nikako
Really!? Thanks, Daa-chan! I think your Bernardus is getting better too!
Shigure
Hey, don't forget about Shigure's Satan~.
Iruru
Fufu, of course. The cruelty in your Satan, Shigure...since it's so different from how you normally are, it was really refreshing to watch.
Shigure
Right~!? What do you think, Daikoku-senpai? I'd love to hear it from you~.
Daikoku
Don't get so full of yourself...haah. You're doing fine, I guess. More or less.
Shigure
Pfpfpf~, Not very honest, are you, Senpai!
Daikoku
Haah, so annoying...
Nikako
Ahaha, you two really do get along. ...Right, Ren-san?
Hatsumi
Hm, what is it...Nikako?
Nikako
This production...I have a feeling it's going to be even better. Let's all keep this up and push through to the Tanshirosei Award!
Hatsumi
...Yeah. With all of you, I'm sure we can go as far as we need to. Get some good rest tonight...I'm counting on you again tomorrow.
Everyone
Yes!
Staff
Lighting, sound, all standing by! Ready whenever you are!
Hatsumi
Good work... At last, tomorrow is the real thing. On the stage of the Tanshirosei Award, we slam down Eden's "answer" as it stands right now.
Hatsumi
Just believe in everything we've built up until now.
Hatsumi
I've been watching you all this whole time — and I'm telling you, you'll be fine.
Everyone
Yes!!
Nikako
"It's dark... Is this the valley shadowed by death? I've lost my way, and I'm all alone..."
Nikako
"Oh, won't someone guide me!"
Hatsumi
"Enough lamenting, poet. The path you must walk leads from here to the heavens."
Hatsumi
"...Come, follow me."
Nikako
"You're... could it be, Virgil!? Why would someone of your greatness be here...?"
Hatsumi
"I knew your poetry. Magnificent work. And more than anything, Beatrice asked me to look after you."
Nikako
"Beatrice did...!?"
Nikako
"Paradise is a place you cannot enter, Sensei... I couldn't possibly leave you behind..."
Iruru
"Don't cry, Dante."
Nikako
"That voice...!? Beatrice...!!?"
Iruru
"Welcome, Dante. Now, lift your head. Your path to salvation is just ahead."
Daikoku
"Come now... one last step. Let us open the gates of Paradise. Within, eternal radiance awaits."
Hatsumi
...Perfect. Not a single thing to fix — you all... did incredibly well.
Nikako
Hahh... hahh... We did it! It kind of felt like I actually traveled from Hell to Paradise.
Daikoku
Yes... my Lord's vision of the ideal stage... With this production, we can deliver that vision to so many people.
Iruru
Yeah, with this, we can step onto tomorrow's stage with confidence.
Shigure
Well, let's go ahead and show them, shall we? The difference in caliber between us and the rest!
Hatsumi
Yes, indeed. Tomorrow, we show the world our brilliance.
Hatsumi
We'll open the eyes of the organizer who gave us this chance. And we'll etch it into the audience's minds.
Hatsumi
The troupe we've built — "Eden"!
Everyone
Yes!!
Announcer
— The thirteenth annual "Tanshirosei Award" will now commence! A contest in which selected, up-and-coming troupes compete with their finest performances.
Announcer
I will now read the participating troupes. Troupe Antares! Suruga Musical Troupe! ...Troupe Eden!
Hatsumi
...!
Nikako
It's finally here, Ren-san.
Hatsumi
Yes, we've been preparing for this day.
Hatsumi
Everyone. Out there, an audience eagerly awaits our performance.
Hatsumi
And there are judges looking to measure our abilities. But... none of that matters.
Hatsumi
We'll show them our pride. Let's go!
Everyone
Yeah!
Nikako
"Paradise is close now... this Purgatory was a long road, wasn't it, Sensei. Sensei...?"
Hatsumi
"...Forgive me, Dante. This is as far as I can go with you."
Nikako
"Wh...!?"
Hatsumi
"Only the living and the sinless may proceed. I am a man born before the teachings. I do not meet the conditions to enter Paradise."
Nikako
"No... for a sage like you to be unable to reach Paradise. To leave you here...!"
Hatsumi
"Beatrice awaits you. ...This is farewell."
Nikako
"Paradise holds saints and great men such as these... To think I can speak with them..."
Iruru
"We're almost there... look, over there."
Daikoku
"The one within that white rose is a most exalted being. Our Lord... Surely, if a living soul such as yourself were to visit..."
Nikako
"!? The flower is opening... so bright!!?"
Iruru
"It seems you can return... Goodbye, Dante. Even in death, I'm glad I could see you again..."
Audience
...! Incredible...!
Judge K
To make it feel this vital, this infused with modern light. So this is your vision of the Divine Comedy, Renjakuno Hatsumi.
Hatsumi
(We did it... all that's left is to wait for the results.)
Hatsumi
...! There she is.
Judge K
Truly magnificent — I can find no other words. It was well worth inviting you.
Hatsumi
And yet you seem to be wearing a smile? ...Did we manage to defy your expectations?
Judge K
...Who knows. The results will tell you that. Look forward to the announcement.
Judge K
To see just how high the ideal stage you hold up can climb.
Hatsumi
(That composure... She's still beyond my reach, huh. I suppose that's what it means to be a legendary actor who commands the world stage...)
Emcee
...And now, the announcement. The troupe that, this year, brought the freshest wind to the theater world and shook the audience to their souls...
Emcee
The grand prize of the thirteenth "Tanshirosei Award" goes to... Troupe Eden!!
Nikako
Ren-san!
Hatsumi
So it reached them, after all...
Everyone
Cheers!!!
Nikako
Mmmm, delicious~! This tuna sashimi is so good~!
Shigure
I'll be helping myself to this~
Daikoku
H-hey... that's my portion!
Shigure
First come, first served~!
Daikoku
Grrr... Fine then, I'll take this fried octopus...!
Shigure
Hey, Daikoku-senpai! That's Shigure's portion!
Daikoku
Huh? First come, first served, right~~?
Shigure
Urghghgh~~!
Iruru
Hey, hey, we're in the middle of dinner — stop squabbling! But man, this is a nice restaurant~
Hatsumi
Yeah, it's a place I frequent.
Hatsumi
But really, everyone... once again, well done. This award is proof that the stage we built together has been recognized.
Shigure
Hatsumi-san...
Hatsumi
Looking back... we in Eden were taking one step at a time toward our ideals, while each carrying our own struggles.
Hatsumi
But when Nikako joined, everyone started opening up to each other... and I was able to face myself as well.
Iruru
That's right, me too... I found the courage to chase my dream again. To someday shine as a lead.
Daikoku
I don't know if I'm putting it into practice yet, but my Lord's words — "learn to love yourself" — I'll never forget them.
Shigure
...Right, well, the fact that Shigure can keep acting like this is thanks to Eden, that much is true~
Shigure
For that... I am grateful.
Nikako
Yeah, I've grown as an actor too! Someday, I want to show everyone back home my acting!
Hatsumi
Yes, the road we've walked was never in vain. It's because of that time that we are who we are now.
Hatsumi
Everyone, you did brilliantly. ...Truly, thank you.
Hatsumi
But don't forget — this award is merely a waypoint. I intend to leverage this win for Eden's future.
Iruru
Eden's future, you say...
Hatsumi
Yes, as I've mentioned before — a traveling troupe.
Hatsumi
The first stop will be... Aogashima. Nikako, I'm thinking we'll hold it in your hometown.
Nikako
!? Are you serious, Ren-san!!?
Hatsumi
Yes — that magnificent natural landscape, the blue sky... the blue sea. A place like that is the perfect backdrop for my stage.
Nikako
Ren-san... thank you so much!
Daikoku
Nikacchi...
Shigure
Nikako-senpai...!
Iruru
(Good for you, Nikako...)
Hatsumi
To make that happen, we'll need further progress on both the financial and performance fronts. ...You'll follow me, won't you?
Daikoku
Wherever my Lord goes, I'll follow!
Iruru
That's a goal worth striving for. Of course I'll help, Hatsumi.
Shigure
Well, Shigure needs more people to appreciate her charm anyway~ I'll lend my cooperation!
Nikako
Me too! So I can bring a performance to everyone back home, I'll work even harder to put on better and better shows with everyone in Eden!
Hatsumi
Good answers. I'm counting on all of you.
Everyone
Yes!!!
Hatsumi
......
Hatsumi
(Our stage has been recognized once again... Futaba, there are many people who love the kind of theater you wanted.)
Hatsumi
(All over the place. All over the world.)
Hatsumi
(That... makes me happy.)
Hatsumi
Aiming for performances around the world... maybe that's too cliché. But I'll make it happen.
Hatsumi
(So keep watching over me... Futaba.)